Violent ice cream turf war on Primrose Hill
Ben McPartland THE usual tranquility of Primrose Hill was shattered at the weekend when a violent turf war erupted between ice cream sellers. Around 1.15pm on Saturday, a 33-year-old ice cream vendor was left seriously injured after he was attacked by two
Ben McPartland
THE usual tranquility of Primrose Hill was shattered at the weekend when a violent turf war erupted between ice cream sellers.
Around 1.15pm on Saturday, a 33-year-old ice cream vendor was left seriously injured after he was attacked by two men who were angry he had parked his van in their normal spot on Albert Terrace.
When the victim parked up near London Zoo, the two men who already had their van in Albert Terrace came over and told him to clear off. One of them was reported saying "You can't stop here, this is my spot."
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The two attackers, both believed to be of Cypriot origin, then began assaulting the rival ice cream seller, punching and kicking him in front of shocked sunbathers and passers-by.
Jonny Bucknell, secretary of the Primrose Hill Business Association, said traders should be working together during these tough times.
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He said: "It is a bit disturbing. You sometimes get the odd fight over a table in a cafe in Primrose Hill but nothing like this.
"There is enough business for everyone. They should all share. I don't think there is any need for it to come to blows. They should just park a respectable distance apart."
The victim was left with a suspected broken rib and bruises to the face. He was taken to hospital where he needed stitches to treat a facial wound.
Many residents of Albert Terrace had been out enjoying the sunshine at the time of the attack and returned to find their street cordoned off by police.
Residents reported noticing a new ice cream van on the street on Saturday, which had never been seen in the area before.
PC Tom Pearse said: "It appears the victim was assaulted for pitching his ice cream van in the vicinity of rival ice cream vendors. Enquiries are underway and I would urge anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information to contact Camden Police."
The first suspect is aged around 28, 5ft 10ins tall with short dark hair. The second is around 25 years old, 5ft 8ins, well built with short dark hair. Both wore yellow T-shirts.
Call Camden Police on 020-7404 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
